What is ESEA?

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was established in 1965 as a component of president Lyndon Johnson’s "War on Poverty" legislative program. More than 35 years later, ESEA remains the single largest source of federal aid to K-12 schools nationwide.

In December, the U.S. Congress reauthorized ESEA as "The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001." The accompanying $48.9 billion education appropriations package increases federal spending on education by $6.7 billion (16%), the largest annual increase ever.

The massive piece of legislation, consisting of over a thousand pages, is organized into ten sections called "Titles." Each of the first five titles includes programs containing provisions for the participation of private schools. These programs are briefly outlined in the final section of this document.

The newly reauthorized ESEA is likely to remain in effect through FY (fiscal year) 2007. It therefore behooves private school leaders to become familiar with those portions of the law that extend opportunities for the participation of private schools.